by Lindsay H. Jones, USA TODAY Sports

by Lindsay H. Jones, USA TODAY Sports

The Denver Broncos will be without starting weakside linebacker Danny Trevathan for at least six weeks, the team announced Tuesday.

Trevathan was carted off the practice field Tuesday morning and was later diagnosed with a "tibial impaction fracture" - a break near the top of the shinbone, adjacent to the knee - the team said in a statement. Trevthan is expected to be back within six to eight weeks, making the team's Week 5 game against the Arizona Cardinals a legitimate target. The Broncos play the Indianapolis Colts, Kansas City Chiefs and Seattle Seahawks before their Week 4 bye.

Even if Trevathan is able to return before midseason, this is a significant loss for a defense that was finally getting healthy.

Trevathan last season emerged both as a major playmaker (remember his fourth-quarter interception of Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo?) and a leader. He is the player who wears the communication helmet to convey plays in the huddle.

Trevathan was one of the healthiest Broncos last year and provided a consistent presence when so many others were injured. Denver lost safety Rahim Moore, defensive end Derek Wolfe, defensive tackle Kevin Vickerson, outside linebacker Von Miller and cornerback Chris Harris over the final half of last season.

Brandon Marshall, a special teams contributor late last season, is expected to take Trevathan's spot for now. He'll join middle linebacker Nate Irving, a first-year starter at that position, and eventually Miller at outside linebacker. Miller will continue to be limited in the preseason as he recovers from offseason ACL surgery.

"I'm very confident. Confidence is a big part of this game, and I know I have the skillset; I have the mind to do it," Marshall told reporters Tuesday afternoon. "So it's just a matter of the opportunity. So if I ever have the opportunity, I will get it done."